Coronavirus: your nursery/childcare setting questions answered by the Early Years Alliance

[RowanMumsnet]

Hello

Understandably parents have had a few urgent questions about nursery/childcare setting closures, and in particular what they can do if they or their partner have suddenly lost their jobs or had their income reduced.

Our friends at the Early Years Alliance - an educational charity representing 14,000 early years membership organisations - has kindly offered to answer some of the questions we saw being asked most frequently.

Obviously they're under a lot of pressure at the moment, with many early years organisations facing huge financial challenges, so this isn't an ongoing Q&A - but let us know if you have any really burning further questions and we will see if we can get answers.

NOTE FROM MNHQ: this information is dated March 20 2020. We will do our best to keep it updated, but please let us know if you think we need to look again at any of the information here.

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If nurseries close down because of Coronavirus/Covid19, do I have to pay full fees?

This will depend on the terms and conditions as set out in a parent's individual contract with their childcare provider. We would advise parents to check their contracts if they have them to hand, or to discuss with their provider directly. It's important to remember that when these contracts were drafted, a global pandemic that resulted in mass childcare closures, potentially for several weeks, would have been unthinkable so it may well be that providers are willing to offer some flexibility on the existing terms of their contracts. That said, we would stress that providers are facing incredible financial challenges themselves, and many will still be required to pay staff wages and rent during times of closure. The government has said that it is "asking providers to be reasonable and balanced in their dealings with parents".

If our household income is badly affected by Coronavirus and we're having difficulty paying fees, what should we do?

We know that these are worrying times for parents, particularly those worried that they will face difficulties paying fees as a result of the impact of Coronavirus. In such circumstances, we would recommend speaking to your provider in the first instance and making them aware of your concerns. Again, it may be that some providers are able to offer some levels of flexibility, though of course, many are facing significant financial struggles themselves. The Early Years Alliance is actively lobbying government to provide financial support for both families and providers during the coronavirus outbreak.

Do all nurseries have to close, other than to children of key workers?

While the government doesn't currently have the legal power to close childcare providers at the moment, the Coronavirus Bill which is going through Parliament will give it the ability to do so.

The Department for Education has been clear that all providers are expected to close to all but vulnerable children and children of key workers as of Monday 23 March. This applies to all registered childcare providers in England, regardless of whether or not they receive government funding. It is important to note that this does include childminders as well as nurseries and pre-schools.

It's worth remembering that the reason for these partial closures is to keep local communities as safe as possible during the coronavirus outbreak and to minimise the spread of the virus. For this reason, we would expect that providers will follow government guidance on this. Parent classed as key workers have also been asked by government to only use childcare if they are unable to look after their children at home.

Do you think nursery owners will act on a case-by-case basis or are they likely to act together as a sector on this?

​The majority of the childcare sector in England is made up of single-site, small providers and childminders, and so the likelihood is that providers will act on an individual basis, and make decisions based on what is most sensible and sustainable for their respective businesses.

Are nurseries insured for events like this?

This will depend on the insurance cover your nursery, pre-school or childminder has. However, many childcare providers are not covered for closure due to Coronavirus, and in particular, closure due to a government order (rather than an outbreak at the setting itself).

[MarshaBradyo]

MNHQ ought to have asked for proper legal advice on terms and conditions in nurseries' contracts during a pandemic.

Agree this is not for parents it’s to help nurseries

[MatildeHidalgo]

MNHQ ought to have asked for proper legal advice on terms and conditions in nurseries' contracts during a pandemic.

[RowanMumsnet]

Hello

Apologies for the delay following up with more EYA responses - we were a bit overtaken with organising the DCMO webchat yesterday.

It feels only fair to say that we requested the EYA comment on this issue - they didn't approach us. Any implication that their comment is the last word on the issue is an error on our side, not on theirs. The aim was to get some informed commentary from the childcare workers' side to help parents who might have been bewildered/unsure about what to do in extremely unusual circumstances.

Here we go with the EYA's further responses:

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"If a parent feels that a provider is being unreasonable in the enforcement of their parent contract terms and conditions, they would have the right to legally challenge them."

"However, it is worth remembering that this is a constantly changing situation, and government announcements about financial support for childcare providers - such as the continuation of 'free entitlement' funding, a temporary pause on business rate payments and most recently, support for staff wages for nurseries and pre-schools, though not childminders - while positive, have been piecemeal and fragmentary in nature, and so many providers are still having to adjust to the latest government changes."

"As such, it may well be that some providers are willing to offer more flexibility on the existing terms of their contracts than they originally thought, and we would advise any parents worried about their provider's stance on fees to go back to them and confirm whether or not they have changed."

I'm going to be working additional hours (nhs) and will have a massive increase in nursery fees due to grandparent not being able to help anymore and due to the increase in hours. I want to do all I can to help but as a single parent I’m worried about paying the additional fees. Do you know if there will be any help for key workers with this?

"This is an issue that the Alliance has raised with the government - however, as yet, no support for increased childcare costs for parents no longer able to rely on informal care has yet been announced. However, government policy on these issues is constantly changing."

"In the interim, we would advise all parents concerned about the cost of childcare to ensure that they are taking advantage of all existing government support on costs, such as tax-free childcare. Information on these is available on the Childcare Choices website: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk"

I am a key worker with a 18month old. My husband is a key worker. Can you explain if we have to send our toddler to school? Or will they go to an age appropriate setting? Thank you

"The government guidance on educational settings staying open to the children of key workers, as well as vulnerable children, applies to nurseries, pre-schools and childminders as well as to schools. We would advise key worker parents, and parents of vulnerable children, who are seeking appropriate early years care for their childcare to contact the Family Information Service of their local authority, who will be able to support them in identifying suitable childcare."

I have key worker children. Their parents have given me a copy of a letter from their employer, stating that they are key workers. Those that thought they might be, but weren't have also been given a letter stating that. Are settings supposed to request documented evidence? I didn't know these letters existed until I was given them.

"New government guidance published today (Tuesday 24 March) states:"

"If it proves necessary, settings can ask for simple evidence that the parent in question is a critical worker, such as their work ID badge or payslip.

"Childcare providers can take a decision not to provide a place where they are confident that a parent does not meet the government definition of a critical worker. If problems occur that cannot be resolved between the provider and parents, settings should speak to their local authority."

www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures#funding

[surreygirl1987]

If it's a private nursery isn't it up to them? My husband and I are BOTH key workers (plus I'm pregnant with pgp too!) And my private nursery still won't take my son - they've said it's not 'viable'. Annoying but there's nothing we can do about it

Tbh I am surprised they allowed the childcare for families with only one key worker anyway (your situation is obviously a bit different if you can literally not look after your child but that's a different issue altogether I suppose). I think it should have been for both from the start, but with exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

[JulieC1981]

My private nursery have just told us that both parents need to be key workers for their child to be able to attend.

This is highly unlikely! I'm seven months pregnant and struggling with pelvic girdle pain and need him to continue to go.
I wouldn't be able to cope with my husband at work and my son st home all day. I can barely move.

I have been listening to the news most of the day and watched the PMs update this evening and heard no mention regarding this change!

[MatildeHidalgo]

Allie06 - could you extend your maternity leave?

[MarshaBradyo]

If the EYA aren’t coming back to answer questions it would seem this is a thread to say to parents pay up. It’s not that clear cut. People should look into it more.

[Allie06]

Hi everyone. I'm a nurse in theater and my partner is a senior cremations technician. We are both key workers. I am due to go back to work on the 16th of April part time following my maternity leave. My daughter is 8 months old and the plan was that her grandmother on my partners side (his mum) was going to watch her. She is not high risk and is 58 years old. Unfortunately, she also cares for her mother in her household who is in her late 70s. She says she is now dubious whether she could have my daughter for when I return to work due to risking her mum and the legislation about grandparents not being able to care for children at present. Does anyone know if my daughter would be okay to go to her grandmother's? Or would this be irresponsible at present. Putting my daughter into a nursery of some sort is not an option as I feel I don't want to risk her health. Struggling to think how I'm going to be able to go back to work now as I want to help. But I don't want to risk any of my family's health. I have no other relatives that could watch our daughter. Any help would be aprreciated thanks xx

[Tanith]

I would point out, however, that no-one has received anything from the Government yet and that funding, such as it is, isn't paid until after the new term starts. It doesn't cover holidays.

We're almost at month end, with a lot of bills to pay and no means of paying them. Childminders aren't currently covered at all, though I hope some sort of self-employment help is on the way for us, too.

[Tanith]

Early Years Alliance were repeating the guidance sent out by the Department for Education. It was written before some of the measures that have since been introduced.

The latest advice I've seen from DfE is:
We are working hard to mitigate the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on all parts of our society, including individuals and business.
We urge all childcare providers to be reasonable and balanced in their dealings with parents, given the great uncertainty they will be facing too.

[RowanMumsnet]

[quote SuefromBudgeting]@RowanMumsnet

Again, it may be that some providers are able to offer some levels of flexibility, though of course, many are facing significant financial struggles themselves

So Early Years Alliance are claiming it's in the nursery's gift to offer flexibility? When actually they might not legally be able to charge parents for a service they can't provide for several months.[/quote]

Thanks for these points - we'll ask Early Years Alliance whether they have updated guidance on this point

[Tiffanygirl]

My nursery is still asking for a full bill promising 30% credit in future. So I pay them full invoice now for a shut nursery not providing me service they charging for, and after reopening they will ceding me with 30% of whai paid during quarantine. I feel like they are taking advantage of the situation tbh - if their staff is paid 80%, rent postponed, no need to buy food or nappies - why am I still effectively paying 70%, where will this money go? Is this even legal?

[SuefromBudgeting]

@RowanMumsnet

Again, it may be that some providers are able to offer some levels of flexibility, though of course, many are facing significant financial struggles themselves

So Early Years Alliance are claiming it's in the nursery's gift to offer flexibility? When actually they might not legally be able to charge parents for a service they can't provide for several months.

[surreygirl1987]

My husband and I are BOTH key workers. My nursery has just told us that they aren't opening up tomorrow even for key workers' kids, as it isn't 'viable' with so few kids. Is this allowed? They gave us less than 24 hours notice...

[Lillibee4]

Aibu. Many of us have cancelled visits for Mother’s Day due to the coronavirus, my neighbour had her family visiting for the day, we live in a converted Manor House with grounds which there are houses and apartments so they were out walking. Also her daughter and family live in London and moving in with them so she doesn’t have to drive weekly. Her husband is a government candidate for our town. I thought we should be staying in our own homes and not moving about

[Jennywren2978]

Yes I will be. They have told the government they are 'closed' to general public and only allowing key worker children in. So the government has given them the 80% obviously thinking that they must be laying off staff but instead because they now have this financial they are expecting everyone in regardless if they want to be paid.

[MarshaBradyo]

Unless they are bending the rules somehow but I would look into it

[MarshaBradyo]

Jenny you need to be furloughed for your employer to get it. That means you stay at home.

If you are working they can’t get it.

[Jennywren2978]

That's what I thought but they said they had got this help with wages so everyone is to come in a work as normal.

[Mamagin]

I thought that the whole point of the 80% wage was to enable you to stay at home.

[Jennywren2978]

I'm really confused about this 80% retainer thing. The nursery I work first said that we would have to take unpaid leave but now they say they are claiming the government 80% wage thing so we all have to come into work doing our normal hours on 80% wages even though they don't need everyone in. So they will find jobs to do.

[Ramdogs]

I'm a m Keyworker and nursery has closed. Still want full fees! Not sure what to do next!

[Alone07]

The nursery my dd attends will not be opening, they have said they will not charge parents for extras.
My husband is a key worker and have a child with an EHCP but as I stay at home none of my children will be attending school.
If a parent is home then children should be as well, the less children and staff in the safer for everyone.

[mumtobabygilrl]

@mondeofan I'm in the same position just want to keep my DD home and safe